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New Zealand pushes for ‘fart tax’ to tackle climate change
In a world first, New Zealand is pushing ahead with their proposal for a ‘fart tax’ to help fight climate change
New Zealand is considering giving a ‘farm tax’ to farmers for the methane gas emitted by their cows and sheep.
All in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2025, which account for over 50% of New Zealand’s total emissions.
“New Zealand’s farmers are set to be the first in the world to reduce agricultural emissions, positioning our biggest export market for the competitive advantage that brings in a world increasingly discerning about the provenance of their food.”
Jacinda adern, New zeland prime minister
The tax would be levied on methane, a powerful gas that is produced by cows and sheep when they digest food.
The government is hoping that the tax will incentivise farmers to adopt practices that would reduce emissions from their herds.
Practices like changing the animals’ diets, or using technology to capture and use the methane gas for energy.
The tax will potentially set a precedent for other countries to follow suit.
Turns out tackling climate change will require everyone to do their part- even the cows.
New Zealand farmers are not happy about the proposal, many saying it’s “a laughing stock” and will destroy their production line.
“Our plan was to keep farmers farming… Instead farmers will be selling so fast you won’t even hear the dogs barking on the back of the ute (pickup truck) as they drive off.”
Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard
